GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Jack Martin of the Suns kicks during the round 23 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Port Adelaide Power at Metricon Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old has the ability to assert himself in the Brisbane midfield this season, so expect Sam Mayes to be one of their major ball-winners each week.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 10: Sam Mayes of the Lions celebrates a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba on August 10, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

There was a lot of hype around Aaron Francis in 2016, and during his three matches last season, the 20-year-old showed glimpses of what he could produce, and more game time in 2017 should allow Francis to stake him claim for a regular spot in the side.

With Matthew Pavlich retiring at the end of last season, the Dockers are crying out for a key forward, and former Giant Cam McCarthy certainly has the potential to be that man and have a break out year in 2017.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 10: Shane Kersten and Cam McCarthy of the Dockers celebrate a goal during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues at Domain Stadium on March 10, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The young Cat impressed last season during his 10 matches at AFL level, but with another pre-season under his belt, Nakia Cockatoo has all the makings of a player who could find themselves in Geelong’s best 22 each and every week.

After a strong year in 2016 following an inconsistent start to his career, Jack Martin is ready to make another leap again this season as the Suns finally look to play finals football.

GWS – Jon Patton

After being overshadowed in the Giants’ forward line by Jeremy Cameron for most of his career, Jonathan Patton had a strong season in 2016, and looks set to continue his form into the upcoming season, one that could see him become one of the competition’s most damaging key forwards.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 28: James Sicily of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the 2016 AFL Round 23 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 28, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Melbourne midfield is already shaping up as one to watch for the future, and Angus Brayshaw has the potential to be the best of the lot. The 21-year-old missed patches of 2016 through injury, but a full 2017 campaign could see Brayshaw step his game up to another level.

Despite playing just 16 games in his career, Mason Wood has shown enough quality in his short career to be able to make the leap in 2017. Without Drew Petrie in the forward line, look for Wood to have a coming of age this season.

He’s already a strong component of the Port Adelaide midfield, but there’s so much room for improvement with Ollie Wines. He’s a strong, tough midfielder who continues to find the ball each week, and Wines could possibly be one of the Power’s best by season’s end.

If Reece Conca can stay fit for the majority of 2017, he’s got more than enough ability and class to cement his spot in the Richmond side and repay the club for the continued faith they’ve shown with him.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 21: Reece Conca of the Tigers laughs as he runs with the ball during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at ME Bank Centre on August 21, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

There’s only one thing that Nathan Freeman needs in order to have a stellar 2017; his health. Freeman has all the ability in the world, and if he manages to get on the park this season, he’ll be sure to show everyone what he can do.

He hasn’t yet lived up to the expectations of Swans fans, but 2017 could be the year Kurt Tippett takes centre stage. He impressed towards the end of last season, and more time in the forward line this season could be a major factor in Tippett being the player Sydney hoped he could be.

He played every game in 2016 and booted 44 goals, and Jack Darling is ready to continue on that upward trend this year. The forward works hard and has all the tools of a quality player, so don’t be surprised if the Josh Kennedy-Darling tandem becomes the most lethal in the game after the current season.

It’s amazing to think that one of the top 10 players in the game can make this list, but that’s just how good we believe Marcus Bontempelli can become. The 21-year-old has everything, and we believe he could be the number one player in the game at season’s end.